Women Receive Greater Benefit from Warfarin Therapy in AF

FEBRUARY 01, 2006

Anna D. Garrett, PharmD, BCPS, CPP

Results of previous studies regarding gender differences and the risk of thromboembolism
(TE) in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been conflicting. A
recent study by Fang et al, published in Circulation, however, suggests that women
may have a greater risk of TE than men. The investigators conducted a study of
over 13,000 patients with AF and recorded data on patients' clinical characteristics
and occurrences of hospitalizations for ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic events,
and peripheral embolism. An extensive analysis of the data suggested that the rate
of TE in women was twice as high in those not taking warfarin. Warfarin use was
associated with significantly lower event rates in both sexes. Annual rates of major
hemorrhage were similar for men and women. The authors concluded that
women are at higher risk for AF-related events off warfarin and that female sex
should be considered as an independent risk factor for TE in the setting of AF.

Dr. Garrett is a clinical pharmacist practitioner at Cornerstone Health Care in High Point, NC.